John Thomas Schneider was born on August 2, 1948 in McCook, Nebraska to Robert J. and Margaret J. Schneider.  He attended St. Catherine’s Catholic School in Valley City, North Dakota where he was a member of the football team, tennis team, and basketball team, graduating in 1966.

John married Elizabeth Jane Haaland on December 21, 1968.

John received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Valley City State College in 1970.  He taught band and choir at Green School while attending VCSC, and then taught band at New Rockford High School, North Dakota for one year before being drafted into the U.S. Army.  He completed basic training in Fort Polk, Louisiana. He spent a year in Fort Gordon, Georgia as a clerk at the Signal School, and then a year in Korea as a trumpet player and bugler with the 8th Army Band. He was honorably discharged on April 28, 1973.  John returned to North Dakota to teach band in Mandan for several years.  He then went to work in the housing industry and moved to Arizona in 1985, where he worked in the floor covering industry until his retirement. During his retirement, John found the greatest joy as a crossing guard for the Chandler School District.

John was an active member of VFW Post 7401 in Chandler, Arizona, serving at Post Commander for 3 years.  He received a White Hat for his service as District 10 Commander. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 35 in Gilbert, AZ.

John is survived by his wife, Jane; children, Paul (Amanda) and Molly (JJ Brockert) Schneider;  siblings, Roberta (Luke) Lorenz, Jane (Terry) Mammel, Michael (Kathy) Schneider, Mary (Stan) Marthaller, Patrick (Diane) Schneider; grandchildren, Hannah Schneider (Honorary), Sarah, Meili, Claire, and Emmet Vardas, Zachary, Aaron, and Grayson Schneider, and Vanessa Brockert.  He was preceded in death by his parents.